The new Volkswagen Passat has been spied wearing a production-based body for the first time ahead of its planned unveiling at the Paris motor show in September.
Key among the innovations adopted by the new Passat, known internally as the ‘B8’, is VW’s highly flexible MQB platform structure.
The MQB platform provides the Passat with greater component sharing potential with other VWs. It also helps to streamline production by enabling the new Passat to be assembled on the same assembly line as the Volkswagen Golf.
The early road-going prototypes are heavily disguised, but the new Passat is said to take on a much edgier look and have tauter surfacing in line with the styling direction taken by the latest Golf.
Insiders privy to early design models suggest that the new car has gained a more technically orientated appearance. A clear focus on panel fit and shutline architecture is said to provide a lift in perceived quality.
Together with the standard saloon and estate models spied here, VW also plans a follow-up to the Passat Alltrack - a rugged, high-riding version of the estate.
As evidenced by the prototypes here, the future incarnation of VW’s traditional mid-range model is slightly longer but considerably wider than today’s Passat. Its longer wheelbase provides scope for added interior accommodation.
The Passat is earmarked to receive a heavily updated range of turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engines, of 1.4, 1.8 and 2.0 litres. Diesels will include carried-over versions of VW’s 1.6 and 2.0 TDI in varying states of tune. A super-frugal Passat BlueMotion model should achieve more than 70mpg.
Mirroring the move made with the Golf, VW also plans a plug-in hybrid version of the new Passat. It will mix a 1.4-litre petrol engine with an electric motor.
Buyers will be offered the choice of either standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive on a number of different engines. A six-speed manual gearbox will be standard, with a seven-speed dual-clutch auto optional.
Join the debate
Add your comment
Agree too big
Same here with the Passat, it will damage sales, where do they think people who drive company cars park? tight, overcrowded company or public car parks day in day out of course. Tiresome, poor packaging.
Supersize me.
Here's a fact to bore readers even more. Who remembers the 'square' Volvo V70 which ended production in 2000? That car was vast, the antique dealer's car of choice. I bought one of the last Classic V70's in 2000, and although I hate antiques, I did on one occasion have cause to collect a floor -to- ceiling display cabinet from an antiques auction.
That V70 was 4720mm long. Today's 'small' Passat SALOON is 4769mm. A Ford Mondeo HATCH is 4778, but even those are dwarfed by the Insigna HATCH at 4830mm !!! Remember those are NOT estate versions yet everyone of them is bigger than that V70.
No wonder a 2nd hand Golf costs more than a Passat, a Focus more than a Mondeo, and an Astra more than an Insignia - nobody bloody want's them! they're too big! Manufacturers, hello-ho!!!
VW sense?
What I fail to understand however is why VW went to the time and expense of designing an all-new car for the North American market that has the same platform, is only 4" longer, the same width and has styling that is almost identical to the Euro model (the only immediate difference is the addition of a 3rd side window). I can understand VW wanting to cut costs by building a Passat in the USA, but why not just build the Euro one there and, to cut costs further, lower the quality of some of the materials and then introduce this forthcoming MQB-based model on both side of the pond rather than have 2 Passats based on different platforms.
Parking